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Rachel Armstrong
Rachel Armstrong
Rachel Armstrong
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Rachel Armstrong
Home and Away character
Portrayed byAmy Mathews
Duration2006–2010
First appearanceEpisode 4101
16 January 2006
Last appearanceEpisode 5138
11 August 2010
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byJulie McGauran
In-universe information
Other namesRachel Hyde (first married name)
Rachel Holden (second married name)
OccupationDoctor
Psychiatrist
FatherRobert Armstrong
MotherElaine Armstrong
BrothersBrad Armstrong
Half-sistersTamsyn Armstrong
HusbandKim Hyde (2006–2007)
Tony Holden (2009–)
SonsHarry Holden
StepsonsJack Holden
Lucas Holden

Rachel Marie Holden (also Armstrong and Hyde) is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Amy Mathews. Rachel debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 16 January 2006. In 2010 Mathews quit the serial to pursue other projects and her on-screen husband Tony Holden was also written out. Rachel has been described as "work driven and professional" and a "sharp mind". Her storylines include a failed marriage to Kim Hyde, her marriage to Tony and suffering post-natal depression. Rachel went on a downward spiral following the death of her mother and a helicopter crash which she blamed herself for. Rachel committed crimes such as assault, drink driving and taking pills and alcohol. Rachel has also been kidnapped a total of four times throughout her duration.

Casting

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Mathews joined Home and Away in 2006, Rachel was introduced as an old friend of Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou).[1]

In 2010 Mathews quit the serial to pursue other projects and it was revealed that producers had decided to write out Jon Sivewright who plays on-screen husband Tony Holden.[2] Commenting on their exits a spokesperson for the serial stated: "Amy Mathews is definitely going in a few months' time. Then, with Amy's character Rachel out of the picture, it was decided Tony should go with her, so Jon Sivewright is leaving too."[2] Fellow cast member Rebecca Breeds who plays Ruby Buckton in the serial spoke out about their departures stating: "In terms of character, to see Tony and Rachel go is kind of upsetting because they fill a really important demographic – that middle-aged, new family thing and there's nothing like that on the show now so they're a loss."[3]

Character development

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Characterisation

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The serial's official website describe Rachel stating: "She has great instincts for people and has a sharp mind; she’s fiercely independent and has great strength of character."[4] Of Rachel's persona, Mathews states: "Rachel is outgoing and fun with a sharp mind and good instincts for people. She has incredible strength and is fiercely independent. She has strong values and definite ideas about right and wrong but she is also a romantic at heart."[5] Mathews has stated the likeness of herself and Rachel stating: "I wish I was more like my character- she's so together! As far as personality goes, she's really driven, and she's professional. [...] Rachel's a really bad cook, and I'm a good cook."[6]

Storyline development

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In her later years Rachel embarked on an unexpected relationship with Tony, of this Mathews states: "It's a surprise love interest, someone who is not Rachel's type which is great because I think we should all try expanding our narrow type registers, thankfully, Jon and I know each other quite well, so it's no big deal."[1] Mathews also recalled Rachel's relationship with Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth) stating: "He was really great and we had a great time, it was terrific to have the longevity of the working relationship in a marriage with him. But I am looking forward to what happens with Tony or with someone else."[1]

Rachel becomes central to a main storyline in which a stalker begins attacking females working at the hospital. Rachel later discovers that Reverend John Hall (Paul Tassone) is responsible when he takes her hostage.[7] Mathews said that Revered Hall grudge against people who he thinks have acted immoral. In Rachel's case Reverend Hall believes Rachel is a sinner because she had a miscarriage and wasn't married to the baby's father Lewis Rigg (Luke Carroll). Reverend Hall also thinks that Rachel should sacrifice her own life "in exchange for the baby's". Reverend Hall begins to convulse and Rachel is given a "lifeline". Rachel goes as far to call for help and in hospital he is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Rachel realises his condition has contributed to his behaviour. Mathews said Rachel is the only one who can understand Reverend Hall's behaviour, because she is a doctor. She true to Rachel's nature she even "goes as far to forgive him", but she is alone as the other locals persecute him and the church.[7]

A big storyline for Rachel was suffering post-natal depression following the birth of Harry.[6] While Rachel is pregnant and does not take any maternity leave. One of her patients Jane Avent (Felicity Price) loses her baby while Rachel is on duty and subsequently files a lawsuit against Rachel. When Rachel gave birth to a son named Harry, Mathews told TV Week that Rachel would begin to behave differently.[8] Rachel feels "completely overwhelmed" and it was something she could not prepare for. While Tony is okay as he previously had children. However Jane begins to harass Rachel, Mathews said that Jane does not think it is fair that Rachel gets to keep her baby. She also stated that everyone is unsure that Rachel should have remained in work while heavily pregnant. As the storyline progresses, Rachel becomes more "possessive and controlling" over Harry and "abuses" Tony for not keeping her informed about him. Rachel shows a "side" of herself that no one has ever seen before. The lawsuit makes Rachel's anxiety worse and Mathews opined that Rachel and Tony's relationship turned bad because "they couldn't be further apart" while she goes through post-natal depression.[8] Mathews stated "For Rachel to be cranky and sad for so long was really hard. I felt bad for Rachel and for the viewers constantly seeing me wailing!"[6]

Storylines

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Rachel is a doctor who is introduced as an old school friend of Leah. She has a brother, Brad (Chris Sadrinna), and half-sister, Tamsyn (Gabrielle Scollay). Before starting her first shift Rachel finds Kim Hyde unconscious and saves him. Rachel is assigned as Kim's psych registrar and she begins to feel attracted to him. She suggests he see someone else, but Kim decides to stay because he feels attracted to her. Rachel is sexually harassed by Doctor Brian Helpman (John Noble). Rachel turns to Kim for comfort and they begin a relationship. Helpman threatens to report Rachel for her affair with Kim if she doesn't sleep with him so she reports him and comes clean about her relationship. Rachel is struck off the psych registry, but is later given a new job in the Accident and Emergency department. Rachel is annoyed when her father, Robert (John Gregg) briefly works at the hospital. Kim's new friend Charlie McKinnon (Matt Levett) begins spending a plenty of time with them. Charlie soon becomes infatuated with Kim and starts dressing up like him and becoming possessive. Charlie later takes Rachel kidnaps Rachel. Rachel hits Charlie with a pipe causing him to seizure, she decides to save his life. She blames herself for not noticing his issues sooner. At Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jack Holden's (Paul O'Brien) wedding reception Eve Jacobsen (Emily Perry) causes a massive explosion at the venue. Rachel's mother Elaine (Julie Hudspeth) dies in the explosion, leaving Rachel confused in her grief, however she carried on helping the injured. She arranged a helicopter to take the seriously injured including Kim to the city for further treatment. The helicopter crashes in a storm and everyone is presumed dead. Fearing death Kim sleeps with Kit Hunter (Amy Mizzi). Everyone blames Rachel for the crash and she believes it is her fault. She starts going on drinking binges and taking large amounts of tablets. She is arrested for drunk driving. Leah tries to help her, but an insulted Rachel slaps Leah in the face and tries to fight her. Brad tries to stop Rachel from her drinking. Rachel is later found passed out after an overdose of drugs and drink. Kim is saved and admits his affair, Rachel forgives him. Rachel wants children when she feels better but Kim doesn't which strains their relationship. Kim is accused of sexually assaulting Tara O'Neill (Cashelle Dunn), but it is revealed she had lied.

Kim and Rachel marry and try to adopt a baby called Joe Morton until his mother Lee (Natasha Lee) returns to take him off the pair. Kit reveals she is pregnant and when she has the baby Kim takes Kit's side on many things. Hugh Sullivan (Rodger Corser), Rachel's ex-boyfriend turns up, they sleep together. Hugh leaves Rachel alone after she refuses to leave Kim, she tells Kim the truth and he refuses to forgive her and tells her he is going to live with Kit because he loves her instead.

Brad's friend Henk Van Patten (Damian de Montemas) arrives in town and starts a relationship with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson), leaving Rachel furious and reveals he sexually assaulted her when she was younger. A stalker becomes active targeting the hospital. Rachel starts a relationship with Lewis and becomes pregnant. He wants nothing to do with her, Rachel miscarries and Lewis decides he wants the baby after all. Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik) accuses Lewis of being the hospital stalker, Reverend Hall offers Rachel a lift home and she gladly accepts. He reveals he is the stalker and ties her up, gagging her. He tries to hurt her but collapses and has a fit, Rachel saves his life.

Rachel grows close to Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) but after he reminds her of Kim she decides to date Tony Holden. Tony is told the likelihood he can help Rachel conceive for a child is low, however they later are delighted when she becomes pregnant. Rachel's patient Jimmy Crawford (Adam Booth) begins to stalk her and Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance) kidnaps her and tries to kill his father, Larry. Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) and Rachel talk Aden out of this and she is set free. Tony thought she missed the wedding because she loved Hugh still, but they later reconcile. Baby Joe comes back into Rachel's life after his mother goes missing. She looks after him for a while, but he is sent away again leaving Rachel upset because she bonded with him again. Rachel later finds out he has died leaving her devastated. Following Jack's death Rachel and Tony's relationship becomes strained. Rachel starts to suspect that Tony is having an affair.[9] They later repair their relationship after Tony realises his anger is out of control. Later in 2009 they married and had a baby son, Harry. She tries to get him in a routine but is annoyed at everyone for visiting. She feels like a bad mother because Harry never stops crying. Rachel begins to suffer post-natal depression, she becomes stressed and starts taking it out on those closest to her. Rachel contemplates smothering Harry and then her friends convince her to seek help.

She returned to work at the hospital to clear her head, a patient called Jane goes into labour but her baby dies. She blames Rachel because of her standard of treatment. Rachel is suspended whilst under investigation. She tries to ruin her career and harass Rachel. Jane kidnaps Harry and he is gone for days. Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) eventually tracks Harry down and returns him home safely. Rachel wrongly diagnoses a child with deafness, becomes friendly with the father, she becomes angry at Tony for selling his share in the gym because of the not so good financial status. Rachel becomes annoyed at Tony's feud with John Palmer (Shane Withington) and his subsequent obsession with boxing, all of which strains their relationship.

In August 2010, Rachel is offered a new job in Boston, in the United States. Tony refuses to go with Rachel, claiming that Summer Bay is his home and is angry with Rachel when she buys herself a plane ticket without telling him. Rachel then realises that Tony does not want to leave Summer Bay as his dead son Jack (Paul O'Brien), is buried in the local cemetery. Rachel tells Tony that she will stay in Summer Bay for him. Feeling guilty, Tony then changes him mind and agrees to go to America with Rachel. Rachel and Harry accompany Tony to Jack's grave to say goodbye and they then leave.

Reception

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In 2007, Mathews received the Logie for "New Female Talent" for her portrayal of Rachel.[10] Mathews was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" for her relationship with Kim at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.[11] Soap opera reporting website Holy Soap describe Rachel's most memorable moment as: "Being taken hostage by the Believers cult, who tried to force her to deliver Tasha's baby."[12] They also pass comment on the fact Rachel has been kidnapped four times calling it a staggering amount.[12] Upon Rachel and Tony's departure, the website also admitted they were fans of Rachel and Tony stating: "If anyone deserves true love, then it's these two! There were sighs of relief all round when they finally tied the knot (their first attempt having been ruined by another pesky kidnapping) and they later welcomed beautiful baby son Harry."[13]

Yvette Chegwidden writing for TV Week said that Rachel and Tony "said a sad farewell". She opined that it looked like the couple were going to end up in "splitsville" but "thankfully" Tony came to his senses. While Chegwidden noted that their exit "wasn't the most dramatic", she opined that viewers were "pleased it was a happy one".[14]

Inside Soap ran a poll asking their readers to decide who Rachel should be with out of Hugh and Kim. The results indicated that they wanted Rachel to be with Hugh – who received fifty-seven percent of the vote.[15]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rachel Armstrong

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rachel Marie Holden (also Armstrong and Hyde) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera , played by Amy Mathews. Introduced as a doctor, Rachel debuted on-screen during the airing on 16 2006 and relocated to with her brother Brad Armstrong. She departed in 2010 when Mathews quit the series to pursue other projects; Rachel was written out alongside her husband Tony Holden. Portrayed as work-driven, professional, and sharp-minded, Rachel's storylines centred on her medical career at Northern Districts Hospital, romantic relationships including marriages to and Tony Holden, motherhood to son Harry, and personal challenges such as post-natal depression, family tragedies, and multiple kidnappings.

Casting and portrayal

Casting

Amy Mathews was cast as Rachel Armstrong in 2005 and made her first appearance in the role on 16 January in episode 4101, introduced as a friend of . The character's debut formed part of a broader refresh to the series' storylines, which introduced several new faces to revitalize the community, including a young professional doctor like Rachel. In 2010, Mathews elected to depart the series to pursue other projects, resulting in the conclusion of Rachel's arc alongside her on-screen husband Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright); her final episode aired on 11 August 2010 as episode 5138.

Amy Mathews' performance

Amy Mathews, born on 29 March 1979 in , , portrayed Dr. Rachel Armstrong, the psychiatric registrar and doctor, in the Australian soap opera from 2006 until 2010. Her debut performance in the role was highly regarded, earning her the 2007 TV Week Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent, which recognized her fresh and engaging portrayal that quickly captured audience attention and contributed to the show's success as the most popular Australian drama that year. This accolade underscored Mathews' ability to infuse the character with authenticity and emotional resonance, establishing her as a rising talent in Australian television. In 2010, Mathews departed the series in a joint exit storyline alongside her on-screen husband Tony Holden, played by Jon Sivewright. Following her time on , she transitioned to diverse roles in other prominent Australian productions, including guest appearances in , Rescue: Special Ops, and . Since then, she has continued her career with roles in series such as The Twelve (2024) and (2025). This period solidified her reputation as a skilled actress, opening doors to further opportunities in television, film, and theatre.

Character

Development and creation

The character of Rachel Armstrong was created in 2005 by the producers of during a cast refresh intended to inject new dynamics into the narrative of . Positioned as a strong female doctor and psychiatric registrar, she was designed to represent an independent professional figure, offering contrast to the more tumultuous lifestyles of many residents. From inception, backstory incorporated a close sibling bond with her brother Brad Armstrong, underscoring her grounded perspective and dedication to her medical career. Early conceptual work focused on weaving her into the community through an established friendship with , laying the groundwork for extended story arcs centered on romance and family ties. Amy Mathews was cast to bring this character to life, making her on-screen debut in the series' season premiere on 16 January.

Characterisation

Rachel Armstrong is depicted as a highly professional and independent doctor, characterized by her sharp intellect, quick-thinking , and deep for patients and members alike. As a and later at Northern Districts Hospital, she frequently acts as a anchor during crises in , providing emotional support and ethical guidance to those around her. Her strong-willed nature, juxtaposed with a gentle heart, allows her to navigate complex medical and interpersonal situations with resilience and empathy, making her a pivotal figure in the town's healthcare and social fabric. Central to her characterisation are the internal conflicts arising from her ambitious career drive and personal vulnerabilities, particularly trust issues rooted in strained family dynamics with her parents and brother. These tensions often manifest as self-doubt and guilt over professional missteps, such as ethical dilemmas or career setbacks, forcing her to confront the balance between her dedication to medicine and her emotional needs. Despite these struggles, Rachel's compassionate core drives her motivation to help others and seek personal stability, highlighting her as an emotionally complex individual who grapples with proving her worth in both spheres. Throughout her arc, Rachel evolves from an outgoing, bubbly newcomer—described as a "" upon her arrival—to a resilient matriarch who matures through adversity, integrating her medical expertise with profound emotional growth. This progression underscores her transformation into a more self-assured leader, capable of mediating community conflicts while addressing her own grief and vulnerabilities. Her independence is occasionally tested by key relationships that push against her boundaries, yet these experiences ultimately reinforce her growth.

Family and relationships

Rachel Armstrong's family includes her father, Robert Armstrong; her mother, Elaine Armstrong, who died in a 2006 explosion; her brother, Brad Armstrong, who provided crucial support during her personal crises, such as when he was summoned by to intervene amid Rachel's emotional struggles; and her half-sister, Tamsyn Armstrong. Later, she and her second husband, Tony Holden, welcomed a son named Harry, born in 2010, which solidified their familial bond; she also became stepmother to Tony's sons, Jack Holden and Lucas Holden. In terms of romantic partnerships, Rachel's first marriage was to Kim Hyde, beginning with their wedding on 27 November 2006 and ending in divorce in 2007, characterized by intense passion but strained by challenges including Kim's infidelity and their conflicting views on starting a family. During this period, she had a brief affair with Hugh Sullivan in 2007–2008, a passionate but guilt-ridden liaison that contributed to the breakdown of her marriage to Kim and ended when Hugh relocated to Johannesburg. Her second marriage, to Tony Holden in 2009, offered greater stability and focused on mutual support, particularly in co-parenting their son Harry, though it was tested by Tony's past indiscretions and their shared fertility struggles. These relationships highlight themes of loyalty and sacrifice in Rachel's narrative, as she frequently prioritized her family's needs over her demanding career as a doctor, often placing personal stability at risk to nurture those bonds. This dynamic tested her independent characterization, revealing vulnerabilities beneath her professional composure.

Storylines

2006–2007

Rachel Armstrong arrived in on 16 January 2006 as an old school friend of . She quickly integrated into the community by taking up a position as a psych registrar at Northern Districts Hospital, where her professional role as a doctor allowed her to contribute to local medical efforts. Upon arrival, Rachel encountered , who was unconscious and in need of care; she saved his life, which sparked an initial bond between them despite professional boundaries. Their relationship developed romantically over the following months, evolving from mutual attraction to a committed partnership amid challenges such as that temporarily affected her career. In 2006, following the emotional turmoil of a crash she had arranged for injured patients—including Kim, who was presumed dead but later found alive—Rachel and Kim married in a that symbolized their resilience. Early family tensions arose with her brother Brad Armstrong, the principal of High, particularly after the helicopter incident in 2006 led to Rachel's grief-fueled drinking binges and an overdose; Brad intervened to support her recovery, highlighting their protective sibling dynamic. These strains were compounded by Rachel's arrest for drink driving, which Brad helped her navigate as she sought to rebuild her life. In 2007, faced her first major threat when Charlie McKinnon, infatuated with Kim, kidnapped her in an attempt to eliminate romantic competition; bound and held captive, she managed to injure her attacker with a pipe, inducing a , and subsequently saved his life, later expressing guilt over not recognizing his issues earlier. This incident underscored her vulnerability while in and intensified her bond with Kim as they confronted the aftermath together.

2008–2009

In 2008, Rachel Armstrong's marriage to collapsed after he discovered her affair with Hugh Sullivan, prompting Kim to move out, pursue a relationship with and their baby , and finalize their divorce later that year. The emotional fallout left Rachel grappling with trust issues, but she soon found solace in a budding romance with Tony Holden, the widowed owner of the local gym. Their relationship progressed rapidly, with Tony proposing to her during a heartfelt moment at the Diner, which Rachel accepted enthusiastically. Professionally, Rachel encountered escalating challenges at Northern Districts Hospital, where her role as a exposed her to volatile situations involving residents. A particularly harrowing case involved her patient Jimmy Crawford, a troubled individual admitted for psychiatric evaluation, who developed a dangerous obsession with her. Crawford's intensified, including breaking into Rachel's car to steal medication, heightening her vulnerability and blurring the lines of ethical patient care in a small community. This incident indirectly precipitated a crisis when Jefferies, seeking drugs for his own struggles, kidnapped Rachel and held her along with his abusive father, Larry Jefferies, in a tense standoff. Drawing on her medical training and composure, Rachel collaborated with to reason with Aden, ultimately facilitating his surrender to police and averting tragedy. The kidnapping unfolded on the morning of Rachel's planned wedding to Tony, sowing confusion and doubt; Tony, fearing abandonment and influenced by lingering rumors of Rachel's past with ex-boyfriend Hugh Sullivan, briefly fled Summer Bay and had a one-night stand with Bridget Simmons during a trip away. Upon returning, Tony confessed the indiscretion, but Rachel, prioritizing their deepening connection, chose forgiveness after a period of reflection, strengthening their commitment. Throughout these upheavals, Rachel leaned on her brother Brad Armstrong for familial support, maintaining their sibling bond amid her personal turmoil. By early 2009, Rachel and Tony exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at Martha's farm, solidifying their partnership despite the prior year's chaos. hospital duties continued to test her resolve, as she navigated ethical quandaries in treating familiar faces from —such as mediating conflicts between patients and staff or addressing community health crises—while upholding professional boundaries in a town where personal lives intertwined with medical ones. Later in 2009, Rachel announced her pregnancy with Tony's child, and their son Harry was born in July. Shortly after, in August, Harry was abducted by Jane Avent, a grieving woman who had lost her own baby and blamed Rachel; the child was safely recovered by police after several days. Their brought stability, allowing Rachel to focus on fostering a supportive home life with Tony and his sons, Jack and Lucas.

2010

In early 2010, Armstrong grappled with the ongoing repercussions of her pregnancy with Tony Holden's child, which had culminated in the birth of their son Harry the previous July. The demands of motherhood intensified her emotional strain, leading to a poignant storyline centered on post-natal depression that highlighted the character's battles. Rachel experienced severe self-doubt as a parent, culminating in a terrifying incident where she nearly suffocated Harry while asleep, prompting her to confront her condition. With encouragement from close friends like and family support from Tony, Rachel admitted her need for assistance and attended a short retreat for recovery. Upon returning, she resumed part-time duties at Northern Districts Hospital, gradually rebuilding her confidence and professional life while managing her responsibilities as a . This narrative arc emphasized themes of vulnerability and resilience, portraying post-natal depression as a serious yet treatable issue without stigmatization. Building on the cumulative impact of prior kidnappings that had repeatedly endangered her life in , this event along with the earlier abduction of Harry crystallized Rachel and Tony's resolve to relocate for their family's protection. Seeking closure amid these trials, Rachel received an offer from an old colleague, Daniel Lovallo, to lead at a new clinic in , . Tony, initially hesitant, ultimately supported the move, selling his gym and returning to teaching to facilitate the transition. Their departure marked a hopeful endpoint to Rachel's tumultuous tenure in the Bay, underscoring motifs of healing through change and familial renewal. Rachel's final appearance aired on 11 August 2010 (episode 5138), as the couple drove off with Harry toward an uncertain but promising future.

Reception

Awards and nominations

Amy Mathews received the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent in 2007 for her portrayal of Rachel Armstrong in . This accolade recognized her debut performance as the character, introduced earlier that year. Mathews was also nominated at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards for for her role as Rachel. Additionally, the on-screen partnership between Rachel Armstrong and (played by ) earned a nomination in the Best Couple category at the same awards. Following these early recognitions, there were no further awards or nominations for Mathews' performance as Rachel after the character's storyline concluded in 2010.

Critical and fan response

The 2007 hostage storyline highlighted Rachel Armstrong's resilience. Fan responses often highlighted Rachel as a relatable doctor figure in the series. The post-natal depression arc received positive feedback for raising about the condition. Overall, Rachel's legacy endures as a fan-favorite for her strong female representation, though post-2010 fan discussions have been limited, with no reboots occurring as of 2025.
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